A truck driver from southwest Iowa faces an Attempted Murder charge and other felonies for allegedly shooting at another semi on the eastbound side of I-80 in Newton Sunday night. According to the Newton Police Department, 56-year old Patrick Lee Miller of Malvern fired multiple shots at another semi as the vehicle was passing him at exit 164. Newton Police are calling it a road rage incident, and the department reports the other truck driver was not injured. He pulled off the interstate at the next exit and went to Love’s Travel Center.  

Newton Police received reports of the shooting shortly after 7:00 Sunday night, and Miller was located approximately 30 minutes later by Jasper County Deputies. According to Newton Police, his semi with a grain trailer was parked on the eastbound off ramp at exit 179. A search warrant for Miller’s semi was issued, and the criminal complaint states a handgun and multiple spent shell casings were recovered. 

In addition to Attempted Murder (Class B felony), Miller is charged with Intimidation with a Dangerous Weapon, Going Armed with Intent (Class D felonies), and Reckless Use of a Firearm (an Aggravated  Misdemeanor). His defense attorney, Anthony Michael Leon of Newton, has filed a motion for Miller’s pre-trial release. That motion will be brought before District Court Judge Terry Rickets at Miller’s initial court appearance, which is scheduled for February 25th.